Hayfield Equestrian Centre continues to help generations of folk turn their dreams into reality, writes Susan Welsh
There’s something about seeing horses enjoying the great outdoors that makes you want to stop what you’re doing and spend time just watching these beautiful creatures. But for many people, the dream doesn’t stop there: they want to have a go at riding a horse or pony, too.
Hayfield Equestrian Centre in Aberdeen, often referred to fondly as Hayfield Riding School, has helped generations of people turn those dreams into reality. After more than 50 years, the business is not only still going strong, but is possibly about to double in size and move to new premises.
Former prime minister and UK legend Sir Winston Churchill famously said: “There is something about the outside of a horse which is good for the inside of a person.” That’s a sentiment that Hayfield director John Crawford agrees with heartily.
“I’m a farmer’s son, but I thought farming was far too much hard work so I took up working with horses instead,” said a smiling John, 67.
“There has been a riding school at this site next to Hazlehead Park since the 1950s. I came up to Aberdeen for a holiday and began working at the school and spent two years working there before my dad bought the business. I worked for him for 10 years then finally bought him out.”
John’s passion for all things related to horses and ponies is clear to see, and it’s this passion which has allowed thousands of horse fans across the north-east and beyond get to grips with life in the saddle.
“I’m not boasting, but saying this as fact: we have the best system for teaching, from tiny youngsters up to adults, here. Like with all sports, when you start, during the first five or six weeks, riders will get wobbly days and days when they think they are wonderful, so it’s always best to book 10 lessons, as that gives them time to get over any hiccups and become confident,” said John, who now runs the school as a club with directors.
“There is one main thing that’s different about our club. At many riding schools, you simply attend and are presented with the pony or horse and that’s about as close as you can get to it. With us, when the riders have reached a level when they have gained enough of a knowledge of horses and will be safe in the stables, then they are encouraged to learn how to brush the pony over, how to tack it up and when they’re finished they make sure it’s put away safely and cared for.
“It’s as near to having your own pony as can be, without the expense. As the riders get older, they want to be allowed to sweep the yards and feed the ponies, so we encourage that. Then you find they want to come back and help with the younger riders; some even become coaches themselves.”
The centre has 34 horses and ponies available for riders, but it actually has more than 60 horses.
“Because they are working quite consistently, every horse and pony has two or three months’ holiday a year,” said John.
The horses are all carefully selected for their calm nature, which makes them perfectly suitable for both able and less able-bodied riders. There’s no perfect age to start riding, either; it’s a sport you can take up at any time or age.
“We have four little ponies, all of whom are very calm, which we use consistently for little children, less than four years old. All parents need do is book and ensure the youngsters are wearing sensible clothes, as we will provide hard hats and any other items they need. They enjoy being led round the park on a well-behaved pony and it’s lovely seeing the smiles and looks of pleasure on their faces.”
The school offers a variety of introductory classes and one-off taster sessions such as a paddock hack where visitors can enjoy a ride on a very quiet horse in a paddock, be taught how to stop and steer the horse then have a pleasant walk on the horse through Hazlehead Park before returning. These experiences cost around £25 an hour, but the more classes you book the cheaper they become.
“You really can’t teach someone to ride until they’ve actually been on a horse,” said John.
“What we have found is that once we have taught people how to ride and canter, they want to learn how to jump so we also offer showjumping along with summer and winter tournaments.”
There’s a number of different options available at the school, which provided horses for Mel Gibson in the making of the film Hamlet, including day rides for the more experienced riders. Hayfield offers some of the best off-road hacking anywhere in Scotland, including rides through Hazlehead Park, which was given to the citizens of Aberdeen by Robert the Bruce.
Hayfield is going to be moving to a new, more accessible location, close to Aberdeen Crematorium near Kingswells in a year or so, but meanwhile it’s still here and ready to welcome horse-loving visitors of all ages.
John said: “There are plans to build a five-star hotel on this site and one of the conditions is that the riding school has to be reinstated after work is complete.
“So, there’s a possibility that we’ll end up with two schools in Aberdeen.”
With no sign of those wanting to get into the saddle slowing down, it sounds like, once again, Hayfield is on the right track.
Contact: Hayfield Equestrian Centre, Hazlehead Park, Aberdeen. Tel: 01224 315703 or visit www.hayfield.com